Last evening three fashionably dressed young ladies decided to have some fun with Holy Cross' Christmas Creche at approximately 11:20 PM.

After taking multiple selfies, they took the Christmas crib and substituted another, only to leave the crib on Rumson Road in front of the school. So were not missing a crib, we now have two and presumably someone else is missing one.

Though the surveillance video is rough, there are some uniquely distinguishing characteristics about the young ladies which will probably allow someone to identify them. Please call the Parish Office or the Rumson Police with information.

We certainly had the third grade's attention this morning with the continued progress on the garden pergola. So far it's been good weather for the outdoor task; it will be great to see it finished within a few days or so.

Exterior of Holy Cross Church's Holy Door for the Year of Mercy is ready. A 3D printed papal insignia has been affixed above the entry to the door with two simple wooden crosses to signify each of the doors.

Inside the church, smaller papal and episcopal coat of arms have been displayed along with information on the Year of Mercy, the significance of the Holy Door and the stipulations for receiving indulgences.

The door will be opened with a liturgical celebration at mass this weekend.

Our marble statue of Mary in the prayer garden was blessed on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Jesus’ BirthTonight we’re asked to consider How Mary’s birth came aboutAnd to honor her And her prime place In God’s plan For our salvation

Not her birth exactly, But her conception Her very beginning And her Divine exemption From original sin. Born in the full human nature We were intended by God To possess from the beginningBefore greed, pride and disobedience Entered the human family Through our own consent

From the first moment of her existence Divine grace kept her safe from all sin Since she was to be the mother of Jesus

Not from a right all her own But from a privilege... The first to enjoy The redemptive grace Of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection Even before it happenedThrough a merciful act of God Who can act in and through time Or around and above it

It’s a lot to think about In any time and place But especially During the Season of Advent When our imaginations Not only have Mary born But of age, engaged And expecting the infant Jesus

Hail Mary, from the beginningHail Mary, when grown and visited by GabrielHail Mary, in Bethlehem with the newborn Son of GodHail Mary, at the foot of the cross At the empty tomb At PentecostHail Mary this day